General Description:

On any given day in Cook County, one in seven individuals struggles with food insecurity – but even one is too many. The Partner Projects team is responsible for connecting Food Depository partners across Cook County with available supplies for food and tracking data from partners to inform strategic engagement with partnerships.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

The Specialist will be responsible for supporting our network of food programs, particularly on technology processes for efficient program management and tracking. The Specialist will also lead the day-to-day management of data in the Food Depository’s Client Insights tool, called Link2Feed. Link2Feed is a comprehensive digital, cloud-based guest intake system that allows the Food Depository, and the wider Feeding America network, to collect rich and meaningful data to inform the development of strategies to not only meet the immediate needs of the people we serve, but to build the infrastructure needed to solve the issue of food insecurity in the communities we serve.

The Specialist will provide site support to partners on Link2Feed, onboard new partners to Link2Feed, and ensure partners are using Link2Feed correctly and regularly.

The Specialist will assist the Manager of Partner Projects on projects including but not limited to Holiday Food coordination, product donations, Hyperlocal Food Sourcing Initiative, and the Diaper Resource Program.

Specifically, this individual will:

• Provide training and support for partners on technology and reporting processes


• Provide email, phone, and onsite Link2Feed support to partners


• Run reports on Link2Feed to ensure partners are submitting monthly data and using Link2Feed correctly


• Work alongside with the Research and Evaluation team to interpret datasets and provide ongoing feedback on insights derived from Link2Feed


• Provide administrative support on projects including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Creating spreadsheets
  
  
  • Developing project summary reports
  
  
  • Answering partner inquires with prompt, professional, and courteous responses
  
  
  • Organizing project files and paperwork
  
  
  
  

• Collaborate with staff from the wider Partner Services and Support teams to understand programs’ ongoing needs

Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in social services, community outreach, or project management


• Strong interpersonal & customer service skills required, with an ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically


• Experience with database management required


• Ability to learn new databases and train others to use technology required


• Basic analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to support decision-making.


• Strong problem-solving skills required, with an ability to think creatively to resolve issues


• Good organizational abilities and ability to multitask required


• Basic proficiency in MS Office applications, with an ability to continuously develop additional skills to support the work


• Must be friendly and outgoing


• Must have access to a working vehicle and valid insurance, as regular travel throughout Cook County is required


• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required

Exposure:

• This role requires some travel done in a personal vehicle (travel expenses are reimbursable).


• This individual must be comfortable traveling to diverse communities throughout Cook County.


• The role requires a flexible schedule: occasional weekend or evening hours required.


• This individual may occasionally interact with individuals who are experiencing mental illness.


• This person will need to be able to lift 20 lbs occasionally.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

• Employer-paid life and disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

• Generous paid time off

• Parental leave

• On-site gym

• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program

• $250 employee referral bonus

About the organization

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, believes a healthy community starts with food. We are at the center of a network of more than 700 partner organizations and programs – food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distributions, and other partners – working to bring food, dignity, and hope to our neighbors across Chicago and Cook County. The Food Depository addresses the root causes of hunger with job training, advocacy, and other innovative solutions.